Entry-Level Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Des Moines, WA: $53,288 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dietitians and nutritionists entering the Des Moines, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,288 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1031, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,616 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,230) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of dietetics in Des Moines, Washington, starting salaries present a manageable beginning. The entry-level dietitian and nutritionist salary in 2026 is projected at approximately $53,288, which is a significant gap compared to the city’s median salary of $81,230. Over the first few years, individuals can expect to see their compensation increase as they gain experience; by reaching the 25th percentile, salaries rise to about $67,349. With a growth rate of 3.90% annually, the market appears reasonably supportive for new professionals, making Des Moines a viable option for those seeking to establish themselves in this profession and aiming for long-term career advancement.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionists in Des Moines, WA typically start between $53,288 and $67,349 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,154 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,230 — 2.33% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nutrition program cost in Washington of $75,000 represents just 140.74% of the starting dietitian and nutritionist pay ($53,288/year) in Des Moines. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACEND-accredited dietetics program data and university tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public in-state, public out-of-state, private) and degree level (bachelor's vs. master's).
DN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level dietitian and nutritionist pay ranges from $53,288 to $67,349, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nutrition field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Compensation Range
The dietitian and nutritionist wage spread in Des Moines is $54,154 ( 101.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,288, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,442.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,631
2025 BLS Actual
$51,288
2026 Current Est.
$53,288
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,631 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,624 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,434 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,116 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,921 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,288 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,288 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,366 | Projected |
Entry-level dietitian and nutritionist compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, WA grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,631 in 2019 to $51,288 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,366. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.90% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nutrition Career in Des Moines
When considering potential employers in the area, Des Moines presents several opportunities for entry-level dietitians and nutritionists. Hospitals generally recruit new graduates for clinical nutrition roles, where interns rotate through various departments such as medical-surgical, intensive care, and outpatient settings. Long-term care facilities typically hire through service contracts with companies like Sodexo, Aramark, and Morrison, while public health positions, particularly within Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs, can offer loan repayment options in shortage areas. To enhance starting pay in Washington, obtaining the ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, fulfilling the CDR requirements for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential, and acquiring any necessary state licenses are crucial. With the shift in 2024 requiring a master’s degree for new RDNs, graduates must be proactive about continuing education and may consider pursuing specialty certifications that align with existing industry growth. As cash-pay practice models and intuitive eating approaches gain traction, there is also potential for entrepreneurial opportunities outside traditional medical settings, allowing new professionals to diversify their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nutrition graduates. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.90%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dietitian and nutritionists (SOC 29-1031).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov